For federal employees returning to work after a 16-day government shutdown, relief is being tempered by worry that it might happen all over again after the holidays. Congress has approved funding only through Jan. 15, and gives the government the authority to borrow what it needs only through Feb. 7. In the meantime, lawmakers will try to agree on how to replace this year's across-the-board spending cuts with more orderly deficit reduction. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park re-opens to visitors today. Visitors can access all public areas and trails immediately. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park has been closed since October 1 due to the lapse in Congressional appropriations.

"We are excited to be back at work and welcome visitors to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park," said Superintendent Scott Tucker. "Autumn is a particularly special season to enjoy all that Fort Clatsop has to offer."

Several free events will take place this fall at the park. A talk, "Meriwether Lewis' Traveling Library" is offered at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 as part of the In Their Footsteps speakers' series. Junius Rochester, historian and author, explores the traveling library brought on the Lewis and Clark expedition during this presentation sponsored by the Lewis & Clark National Park Association.

In addition, Nov. 2 marks the rescheduled 2013 South Slough Scramble. The fun walk or run starts at 10 a.m. at the park's Netul Landing parking area. The parking area is approximately 1.25 miles south of Fort Clatsop. Runners and walkers can register for one of two options – a roughly 3-mile "short loop" or a 5.5-mile "long loop." Registration forms for the Scramble are available online at www.nps.gov/lewi or at the Visitor Center. You can also register at the race start on the day of the scramble, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. The route is not accessible for a wheelchair or stroller. Please, no pets.

For more information, call (503) 861-2471. You can follow the park on its website, www.nps.gov/lewi or on Facebook www.facebook.com/LewisandClarkNationalHistoricalPark